CONFIDENCE DEFINITION:Having faith in one’s influence and ability PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Strong posture (shoulders back, chest out, chin high, etc.) Walking with wide steps and a steady gait Strong hygiene and personal grooming Holding the hands loosely behind the back Touching one’s fingertips together (tapping, forming a steeple, etc.) A gleam in one’s eye Sharing a smile or playful grin Winking or giving someone an easy nod Keeping one’s hands out of the pockets Appearing relaxed (slouching against a wall, humming, etc.) Taking up space (legs spread wide, arms loose at the sides, etc.) Approaching people with ease and inviting them into one’s personal space Looking others directly in the eye Arms swinging while walking Choosing the middle, not the sides (be it a couch or a room) Using exaggerated movements to draw attention to oneself A booming laugh A tilted-back head Speaking boisterously Offering witty commentary Giving a half-shrug or a grin that conveys secret knowledge Lighthearted teasing Flirting A strong handshake Leaning back in a chair, hands behind the head An easygoing manner Stretching Showing comfort in the proximity of others Initiating contact; approaching others directly and without hesitation Telling jokes Adding to or steering a conversation Hosting events (getting the guys together for a football game) Openness when dealing with people Appearing unbothered by what others may think Leaning in to talk or listen Asking questions to gain knowledge; being able to shelve one’s ego Increased physical contact; becoming touchy-feely Running one’s hands through one’s hair or flipping the hair back Assuming a pose that draws attention to one’s best attributes Leading rather than following INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A downward pull in the shoulder muscles as one’s arms hang relaxed and tension-free Easy breaths Lightness in the chest MENTAL RESPONSES: A sense of calm and ease A positive outlook Interest in whatever’s going on A desire to help by using one’s skills to improve a situation or fill a need Aiming for bigger goals that will stretch oneself ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Doing or saying things outside of the norm without anxiety or concern A willingness to try new things and embrace challenges Adaptability; taking on new roles as needed Obsessively talking about an achievement or material object Reacting with anger or jealousy if one’s reputation is impugned Bragging and showing off SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Minimizing compliments Modesty Changing the topic to bring others into the spotlight Downplaying one’s own comfort level to make others feel better Asking for opinions or advice Sharing the accolades with others:I couldn’t have done it without their help,orWe make a good team. MAY ESCALATE TO:Satisfaction,Pride,Smugness,Contempt MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Doubt,Reluctance,Regret,Uncertainty ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Act, aim, assert, assist avow, beam, believe, boast bolster, build, command, commit delegate, empower, encourage, exude hearten, help, influence, inspire lead, motivate, persuade, rebel restore, shape, steer, thrust wink WRITER’S TIP:It is natural to hold back or hide our true scope of emotions in the presence of others. When writing a conflicted protagonist, it is critical to show through action the emotion the character wants to convey to others while also expressing their true feelings to the reader.